U.S. patent application number 14/977535 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for mobile telephone case.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gavin A. Johnson. Invention is credited to Gavin A. Johnson.
Application Number | 20160112085 14/977535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46298694 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160112085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Gavin A. |
April 21, 2016 |
Mobile Telephone Case
Abstract
A mobile telephone case is provided. The mobile telephone case
includes a top cover having a back surface and a bottom cover
having a further back surface that is placed adjacent to the top
cover. A connecting member is positioned over at least a portion of
each of the back surface of the top cover and the further back
surface of the bottom cover.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Gavin A.; (East
Wenatchee, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson; Gavin A. |
East Wenatchee |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46298694 |
Appl. No.: |
14/977535 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14325344 |
Jul 7, 2014 |
9219806 |
|
|
14977535 |
|
|
|
|
13154363 |
Jun 6, 2011 |
8774881 |
|
|
14325344 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20130101;
Y10T 29/49947 20150115; H04M 1/17 20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101;
H04M 1/0214 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; H04M 1/17 20060101 H04M001/17 |
Claims
1. A mobile telephone case, comprising: a top cover comprising a
back surface; a bottom cover comprising a further back surface and
placed adjacent to the top cover; a connecting member positioned
over at least a portion of each of the back surface of the top
cover and the further back surface of the bottom cover.
2. A mobile telephone case according to claim 1, further
comprising: a cleaning material covering at least a portion of one
or more of the top cover and the bottom cover.
3. A mobile telephone case according to claim 2, wherein the
cleaning material comprises at least one of microfiber, cotton, and
chamois.
4. A mobile telephone case according to claim 2, wherein the top
and bottom covers are shaped to receive a mobile phone positioned
with a screen facing away from the cleaning material and positioned
with the screen facing towards the cleaning material.
5. A mobile telephone case according to claim 2, wherein the
cleaning material is affixed to at least one of the top cover and
the bottom cover via one or more of glue, tape, epoxy solution,
polyurethane solution, silicone solution, and plastisol
solution.
6. A mobile telephone case according to claim 1, wherein the bottom
cover pivots away from the top cover.
7. A mobile telephone case according to claim 6, wherein the
connecting member comprises a pivot point for the pivot.
8. A mobile telephone case according to claim 1, wherein the top
cover comprises an upper portion that is taller than a connecting
portion.
9. A mobile telephone case according to claim 8, wherein the
connecting member is affixed to the connecting portion of the top
cover and at least a portion of the bottom cover.
10. A mobile telephone case according to claim 9, wherein a height
of the bottom cover is shorter than at least a portion of the top
cover.
11. A method for constructing a mobile telephone case, comprising:
providing a top cover comprising a back surface; providing a bottom
cover comprising a further back surface and placed adjacent to the
top cover; positioning a connecting member over at least a portion
of each of the back surface of the top cover and the further back
surface of the bottom cover.
12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising: providing a
cleaning material covering at least a portion of one or more of the
top cover and the bottom cover.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning material
comprises at least one of microfiber, cotton, and chamois.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the top and bottom
covers are shaped to receive a mobile phone positioned with a
screen facing away from the cleaning material and positioned with
the screen facing towards the cleaning material.
15. A method according to claim 12, further comprising: affixing
the cleaning material to at least one of the top cover and the
bottom cover via one or more of glue, tape, epoxy solution,
polyurethane solution, silicone solution, and plastisol
solution.
16. A method according to claim 11, wherein the bottom cover pivots
away from the top cover.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the connecting member
comprises a pivot point for the pivot.
18. A method according to claim 11, wherein the top cover comprises
an upper portion that is taller than a connecting portion.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the connecting member
is affixed to the connecting portion of the top cover and at least
a portion of the bottom cover.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein a height of the bottom
cover is shorter than at least a portion of the top cover.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application, Ser. No. 14/325,344, filed Jul. 7, 2014, pending,
which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,881, issued Jul. 8,
2014, the priority dates of which are claimed and the disclosures
of which are incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates in general to mobile telephone cases
and, specifically, to a mobile telephone case that cleans a mobile
telephone display screen.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As mobile telephone use increases, companies are constantly
working to provide users with smarter phones by providing and
updating new features, such as Internet capability, bigger display
screens, and touch screens. For example, display size has increased
from around 3 cm to 9 cm within the past 30 years. As well, touch
screens provide and display an interactive command system for users
to access information and make telephone calls by pressing key
points displayed on the screen with their finger. Mobile telephones
with such features are costly, and owners and users of these phones
are becoming more and more conscious about protecting their phones
due to high replacement costs.
[0004] Mobile telephone cases are becoming increasingly popular
because they provide protection and prevent a mobile phone from
becoming scratched, dented, cracked, or otherwise damaged, which in
turn devalues the phone. There are numerous types and designs for
mobile phone cases that differ based on material, design, and cost.
Many mobile phone cases either have a single case that forms to the
mobile phone itself or includes two or more pieces that
interconnect to provide a cover for the back and sides of the
phone. The single piece case can be difficult to put on and remove
from the phone due to the sturdy, but inflexible material used to
form the case, while pieces of the two-piece case can be lost.
Additionally, many single piece cases are cumbersome and require
users to remove the case prior to charging the phone. Both designs
tend to leave the face of the phone open and freely accessible so
that users can access the display, especially touch screen
displays. Based on the open face design of the phone cases, touch
screens and display screens easily become dirty from environmental
debris, and from finger, ear, cheek, and other prints obtained
during use of the mobile phone in everyday life.
[0005] Generally, mobile phone cases serve to encase and protect
the mobile phone without providing room to carry mobile phone
accessories, such as cleaning supplies. Due to a lack of available
cleaning supplies, users often find and use substitutes, such as
jeans, t-shirts, or shirt sleeves, for example. Improper and
substitute cleaning materials can harm or scratch the display
screen and even prevent the touch screen display of commands from
working.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a mobile phone case that
encases, protects, and houses a mobile telephone while providing
proper cleaning supplies. Preferably, the mobile phone case will
include a single piece, or one or more pieces that are affixed to
one another to prevent loss of the pieces.
SUMMARY
[0007] A cleaning case for a mobile telephone is provided. The
cleaning case includes a top cover and a bottom cover, which are
rotatably affixed via pivot mounts and secured into a closed
position via security members. A cleaning cloth is affixed on an
inner surface of the mobile telephone case to allow easy and
convenient cleaning of a telephone. For example, a user opens the
cleaning case, removes the phone, and turns the phone upside down
so that the face of the phone faces the inner surface of the
cleaning case. Subsequently, the user slides the phone in and out
of the cleaning case allowing the face of the telephone to rub
against the cleaning cloth. Once finished, the user turns the phone
over so that the face is positioned and inserts the phone into the
case for storage.
[0008] A further embodiment provides a mobile telephone case. The
mobile telephone case includes a top cover having a back surface
and a bottom cover having a further back surface that is placed
adjacent to the top cover. A connecting member is positioned over
at least a portion of each of the back surface of the top cover and
the further back surface of the bottom cover.
[0009] Other embodiments of the invention will become readily
available and apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, wherein are described embodiments
of the invention by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated
for carrying out the invention are shown. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its
several details are capable of modifications in various obvious
respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description
are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile telephone
cleaning case, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing top and bottom covers
of the mobile telephone cleaning case of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing interconnected top and
bottom covers of the mobile telephone cleaning case of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the mobile telephone cleaning
case of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the mobile telephone
cleaning case of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mobile telephone
cleaning case, in accordance with a further embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mobile telephone
cleaning case, in accordance with a further embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Conventionally, mobile telephone cases are designed to house
and protect a mobile phone, while allowing users to access
necessary parts and features to command general uses of the phone.
For example, many cases leave an opening for the user to access a
display on the phone, such as a touch screen display, which
requires frequent cleaning due to environmental debris, as well as
finger, ear, and cheek prints from the user. Due to a lack of
available cleaning supplies, users often clean the display with the
bottom of a t-shirt or a sleeve, which can cause scratches to form
on the display.
[0018] A mobile phone cleaning case allows users to protect and
clean their phone with a single device. FIG. 1 is a perspective
view showing a mobile telephone cleaning case 10, in accordance
with one embodiment. The mobile phone case 10 includes a top cover
11 and a bottom cover 12 that can be movably interconnected via a
pivot point created through the use of a connecting member (not
shown). The top and bottom covers can each be made from material,
including plastic, leather, neoprene, rubber, or canvas. Other
materials for the top and bottom covers are possible.
[0019] The mobile phone cleaning case 10 includes a back platform
13 that is formed from a durable material, and shaped and sized to
receive a mobile phone. Specifically, the length and width of the
back platform 13 can be based on a type of mobile phone to be
encased. Examples of different mobile phones include the iPhone
manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., the BlackBerry
manufactured by Research In Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario,
Canada, as well as mobile phones manufactured by Nokia of
Keilaniemi, Espoo, Finland; Samsung of Samsung Town, Seoul, South
Korea; HTC of Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China; and Motorola of
Schaumburg, Ill. Other mobile phones are possible. In one
embodiment, the back platform can be formed from one or more
individual parts and combined to form a unitary back platform, as
further described below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0020] A wall 14 is perpendicularly affixed around a perimeter of
the back platform 13. A height of the wall 14 is dependent upon the
mobile phone, but should be tall enough to extend to or above a
display, or front, face of the mobile phone. An overhang 15 is
perpendicularly affixed along a portion of the wall 14, opposite
the back platform 13. The overhang 15 extends over a portion of the
mobile phone when positioned in the mobile phone case 10 to secure
the mobile phone within the mobile phone cleaning case. The
dimensions of the overhang can depend on the type of phone to be
encased. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the mobile phone case
10 are 121.4 mm.times.64 mm.times.13.5 mm to encase, for example,
an iPhone, while a width of the overhang is about 2 mm. Other
dimensions are possible based on different mobile phones to be
encased.
[0021] A cleaning cloth or material (not shown) covers a portion of
or the entire back platform 13 to provide a user with proper and
convenient cleaning equipment for the mobile phone. Specifically,
the cleaning cloth is affixed to a top surface of the unitary back
platform 13. In a further embodiment, the cleaning cloth is also
affixed to and along the inner sides of the wall 14. The cleaning
cloth can be made from material, including microfiber, cotton, and
chamois, as well as other types of material, and can be affixed via
an adhesive, including glue or tape made from solutions such as
epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, and plastisols. Other materials
and adhesives for the cleaning cloth are possible. In one
embodiment, a single cloth covers the inside of the mobile phone
protective case. In a further embodiment, separate cleaning cloths
cover the top 11 and bottom 12 cases. An example of how the
cleaning cloth can be affixed to the covers is further described in
detail below with respect to FIG. 3.
[0022] The top 11 and bottom 12 covers are interconnected and
secured in a position to house, protect, and encase the mobile
phone via at least one security member 16. In one embodiment, two
security members are positioned across from one another and affixed
to the wall 14. The security members 16 lock the top and bottom
covers in a closed position conformably surrounding the mobile
phone and can include buttons, locks, springs, or other fastening
mechanisms. Other types of security members are possible, such as
magnets. The security members are discussed in further detail below
with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0023] When the security members 16 are in a locked position, the
top and bottom covers are interconnected and secured to prevent
movement of the mobile phone within the case. Generally, when the
mobile phone cleaning case is not being used to clean the telephone
display face, a back side of the mobile phone is positioned on top
of the unitary back platform 13 of the mobile phone case 10 and the
display of the mobile phone faces outward toward the user. The
overhang 15 extends over a portion of the telephone display face
when encased to prevent the mobile phone from moving.
[0024] To access the cleaning cloth, the user opens the mobile
phone case 10 by applying pressure to the security members 16 and
releasing the security members 16 from a locked position. After
releasing the security members 16, the bottom cover 12 can rotate
away from the top cover 11 by pivoting around an axis 17, while
still remaining connected by a connecting member (not shown). After
the bottom cover has rotated away from the top cover, the user is
able to access a bottom portion of the phone and can remove the
mobile phone from the mobile phone case 10 by sliding the phone out
from the top cover 11 and under the overhang 15. The user then
flips the phone over so that the display face of the phone now
faces the back platform 13, which is covered by the cleaning
material, such as a microfiber cloth. The user can then rub the
display face of the phone over the cleaning material by sliding the
phone in and out of the top cover 11. Specifically, the overhang 15
guides the display face of the phone along the cleaning cloth of
the bottom platform 13. Once finished, the user again removes the
phone from the top cover 11 and flips the phone over so that the
display face is facing the user and the backside of the phone is
positioned on the back platform 13 of the cleaning case 10. The
display face of the phone is now accessible to the user.
Subsequently, the user moves the bottom cover 12 into a closed
position with the top cover 11 and locks the covers 11, 12 into
place via the security members 16 to secure, enclose, and protect
the mobile phone.
[0025] The top 11 and bottom 12 covers are each shaped to fit
securely together in the locked position to conformably surround
and protect the mobile phone. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing
top and bottom covers of the mobile telephone cleaning case of FIG.
1. The top cover 11 includes a back platform 21 that has a rounded
end with two rounded corners and an opposite end with a straight
edge. A size of the back platform 21 is dependent upon the size of
the mobile phone to be encased. However, at a minimum, the back
platform 21 should be large enough to support at least a portion of
the mobile phone. In one embodiment, the back platform 21 of the
top cover should be large enough to cover a portion of the phone
measured from the top of the phone to a bottom of a display screen
to ensure that the entire display is fully covered when the phone
is inserted upside down in the top cover to be cleaned. For
example, the back platform 21 for an iPhone cleaning case can have
a length of 99.2 mm and a width of at least 58.6 mm. Other
measurements are possible.
[0026] A U-shape wall 22 is perpendicularly affixed along a portion
of the perimeter of the back platform 21. Specifically, the wall 22
originates at a point 30 on one side of the back platform 21 and
extends along the perimeter around the first and second rounded
corners to a further point 30 on the opposite side between the
second rounded corner and the straight edge. The straight edge end
of the back platform 21 remains open, without a wall. A height of
the wall 22 is dependent on a depth of the mobile phone. However,
at a minimum, the wall should be tall enough to extend to or above
a top surface of the mobile device when positioned inside the
cleaning case. In one embodiment, the height of the wall is 13.5
mm; however, other measurements are possible.
[0027] An overhang 23 is perpendicularly affixed to the wall 22,
opposite the back platform 21. The overhang 23 extends from the
wall over a top surface of the back platform 21. When encased, the
overhang covers a portion of the mobile phone display face to
secure the phone and prevent the phone from moving.
[0028] A receiving end 24 extends from each end of the wall 22,
starting at the points 30, where the overhang 23 ends, and travels
along the perimeter of the back platform 21 coincident with the
outer surface of the wall 22 to the straight edge end. A width of
each receiving end 24 is thinner than the width of the wall 22,
forming a void between an inner surface of each receiving end 24
and the wall 22 to receive the bottom cover. The receiving ends 24
are tapered from top to bottom at the straight edge to interlock
with oppositely tapered ends 31 of the bottom cover 12. At least
one security cutout 25 is formed within one of or both the
receiving ends 24. When the security cutout 25 is formed within
each receiving end 24, the security cutouts 25 can be positioned
across from one another. The cutouts 25 are sized and shaped to
receive a security member 16 that is affixed to the bottom cover
12. In one embodiment, the cutouts 25 are each shaped as a square.
However, other shapes, including rectangles, circles, triangles,
and combined shapes are possible.
[0029] The top cover 11 can be interconnected to the bottom cover
12 to conformably surround and secure the mobile phone. The bottom
cover 12 includes a back platform 27, a wall 28, and an overhang
29. The bottom cover back platform 27 can be made from a durable
material and can have four sides shaped as a square or rectangle
with one end having two rounded corners and a straight edge end.
Other shapes of the back platform are possible. A U-shape wall 28
surrounds a portion of the back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12
to include three sides of the perimeter, leaving only the straight
edge without a wall. Additionally, the overhang 29 is
perpendicularly affixed to the wall 28, opposite the back platform
27. The overhang 29 extends from the wall 28 over a top surface of
the back platform 27. When encased, the overhang 29 can cover a
portion of the mobile phone display face to secure the phone and
prevent the phone from moving. In one embodiment, an overhang 29 is
perpendicularly affixed to the wall 28 of the bottom cover 12 and
extends, for example, over a cleaning cloth covering an inner
surface of the wall 28 but not over the mobile phone. In a further
embodiment, no overhang is affixed.
[0030] When the mobile phone cleaning case is in a closed position,
the straight edge of the bottom cover back platform 27 is
positioned adjacent to the straight edge of the top cover back
platform 21 to form a unitary back platform, as shown in FIG. 1.
The top 11 and bottom 12 covers can be rotatably affixed via a
connecting member (not shown). The connecting member is further
discussed below with reference to FIG. 4. In a further embodiment,
no connecting member is required, such as described below in
further detail with reference to FIG. 7.
[0031] The back platform 27 of bottom cover 12 is sized based on
the back platform 21 of the top cover 11. Returning to the above
example, the back platform of the top cover is 99.2 mm, while the
total length of an iPhone is 115.2 mm. Thus, the back platform of
the bottom cover should be at least 16 mm to house the phone.
However, the length of the bottom cover back platform can be longer
to allow for the cleaning cloth. At a minimum, the bottom cover
should be large enough so that together, the top and bottom covers
conformably surround the phone to be encased and allow for the
cleaning cloth, if included. In one embodiment, the width of the
back platform for the top 11 and bottom 12 covers is the same
between the inner surfaces of the wall 22, 28, while the length of
the back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12 is the same or shorter
than the back platform 21 of the top cover 11. Accordingly, the
combined unitary back platform 21, 27 can have measurements,
including a length of at least 115.2 mm and a width of 58.6 mm.
Other measurements are possible. The total back platform, including
the top and bottom covers, should be large enough to support the
mobile telephone when encased.
[0032] Ends of the wall 28 taper on an external surface from bottom
to top at the straight edge end of the bottom cover 12 to
conformably interconnect with the receiving end 24, which is
tapered from top to bottom. An arm 31 extends from an inner surface
of the wall 28 at each end 32 and extends beyond the straight edge
end of back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12. A security member
16 can be affixed to an outer surface of at least one of the arms
for connecting with the cutouts 25 on the receiving ends 24 of the
top cover 11. The security members 16 are each shaped to fit within
the security cutout 25 on the top cover 11.
[0033] The arms 31 have a thinner width than the wall 28 and a void
is formed between the outer surface of each arm 31 and the outer
surface of the wall 28 to interconnect with the receiving ends 24
of the top cover 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an
interconnection of top and bottom covers of the mobile telephone
cleaning case of FIG. 1. When the mobile phone cleaning case 10 is
in a closed position, the arms 31 and the receiving ends 24 are
interconnected 41, such that they are adjacent to and beside one
another with the receiving ends 24 coincident on an outer surface
of the wall 22 and the arms 31 coincident with an inner surface of
the wall 28. The arms 31 are formed on an end of each wall 28 and
extend along an inner surface of the wall 28 beyond the straight
edge end. The arms 31 have a smaller width than the wall 28,
generating a void between the outer surface of the wall 28 and an
outer surface of each arm 31. A width of the void can equal the
width of the receiving end so that together, each pair of receiving
end 24 and arm 31 can equal a width of the wall 22, 28 when
interconnected 41. The end 32 of the wall 28 is tapered along an
outer surface from bottom to top to conformably receive the
receiving end 24, which is tapered on an outer surface from top to
bottom. Other shapes for the bottom cover wall ends 32 and
receiving ends 24 are possible, such as straight ends and rounded
ends, which are described further below with reference to FIG. 6.
In one embodiment, the ends of a wall of the top or bottom covers
can be affixed to a ball, while a joint, such as a convex void is
formed within the wall ends of the opposite cover. Together, the
ball and joint interconnection of the top and bottom covers allows
the covers to move with respect to one another. The security
members 16 lock the interconnected top 11 and bottom 12 covers.
[0034] In a further embodiment, the mobile telephone cleaning case
can be affixed such that the bottom cover includes the receiving
ends, which can be rotatably affixed to an outer surface of arms
that extend from the top cover.
[0035] The top and bottom covers can be movably affixed via a
connecting member. FIG. 4 is an exploded view 50 of the mobile
telephone cleaning case of FIG. 1. The top 11 and bottom 12 covers
each include a back platform 21, 27 and a wall 22, 28. The back
platform 21 of the top cover 11 includes an upper portion 51 and a
connecting portion 52. The upper portion 51 extends from the
rounded corners to the connecting portion 52, which extends along a
common plane to the straight edge end of the back platform 21. The
upper portion 51 of the back platform 21 can be made from a durable
material, such as plastic, and can have a height that is taller
than the connecting portion 52. In one embodiment, the plastic can
have a height of 1 mm. Other materials and heights for the upper
portion 51 of the top cover back platform 21 are possible.
[0036] The connecting portion 52 of the back platform 21 includes a
layer of durable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic
that is thinner than the upper portion 51 to create a void between
a top surface of the upper portion 51 and a top surface of the
connecting portion 52 that is sized to receive a connecting member
53. In one embodiment, a height of the connecting portion 52 is 0.5
mm. The length of the connecting portion 52 is dependent upon the
size of the cleaning case and different types of connecting members
53 used to affix the top 11 and bottom 12 covers. The connecting
member 53 affixes the top 11 and bottom 12 covers together to form
a single case without loose parts that are required to be put
together and taken apart. Application of the connecting member is
further described below.
[0037] The wall 22 can be U-shaped and perpendicularly affixed
along a portion of the perimeter of the back platform 21. The
straight edge end of the back platform 21 remains open, without a
wall. A height of the wall 22 is dependent on a depth of the mobile
phone. However, at a minimum, the wall should be tall enough to
extend to or above a top surface of the mobile device. In one
embodiment, the height of the wall is 13.5 mm; however, other
measurements are possible. An overhang 23 is perpendicularly
affixed to the wall 22, opposite the back platform 21. The overhang
23 extends from the wall over a top surface of the back platform
21.
[0038] The bottom cover 12 also includes a back platform 27, wall
28, and overhang 29. The back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12
can be made from a durable material that is the same as or
different from the material of the top cover 11. At least a portion
of the durable material, nearest the straight edge of the back
platform 27 of the bottom cover 12, has a height that is the same
as the connecting portion 52 of the top cover 11, such as 0.5 mm as
described above. The wall 28 is affixed around a perimeter of the
back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12 on three sides, leaving
only a straight edge end open. Arms 31 extend from an inner surface
of each end of the wall 28 beyond the straight edge end. A width of
each arm 31 is less than the wall to define a void between an outer
surface of the arm 31 and an outer surface of the wall 28 to
interconnect with the receiving ends 24 of the top cover 11. A
security member can be formed on at least one of the arms and sized
to fit within the cutout of the top cover 11, and locks the top 11
and bottom 12 cases together. When interconnected, the width of the
arm and the receiving end equal the width of the wall, as described
above with reference to FIG. 3.
[0039] The connecting member 53 is positioned over and affixed to
the connecting portion 52 of the top cover 11 and at least a
portion of the back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12 to prevent
separation of the pieces and to provide rotation of the bottom
cover 12 with respect to the top cover 11. The connecting member 53
can include a hinge or joint, or can be made of flexible, durable
material, such as rubber, which allows movement of the top 11 and
bottom 12 cases. The connecting member 53 can be affixed via
adhesive, including glue, screws, tape, or other substances made
from solutions such as epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, and
plastisols, as well as other solutions. Other connecting members
and types of adhesive are possible. In one embodiment, the
connecting member includes a flexible rubber layer 53 with a height
of 0.5 mm that allows movement of the bottom cover by stretching
downward, away from the top cover 11. In a further embodiment, the
connecting member 53 can include a V-shaped groove to provide an
axis of rotation for the bottom cover 12.
[0040] Once the connecting member 53 is affixed to the connecting
portion 52 of the top cover 11 and the back platform 27 of the
bottom cover 12, the heights of the upper portion 51, connecting
portion 52, and bottom cover back platform 27 are equal to provide
a level unitary back surface for affixation of a cleaning material
54. The cleaning material 54 should be large enough to cover the
inner surface of the unitary back platform of the top 11 and bottom
12 covers. The cleaning material 54 can be made from microfiber,
cotton and chamois, and can be affixed via an adhesive, including
glue and tape. Other cleaning cloth materials and adhesives are
possible. The cleaning cloth can include a single piece of material
or multiple pieces of material. For example, a first piece of the
cleaning cloth 54 covers the upper portion 51 and connecting member
53 affixed to the connecting portion 52 of the top cover 11 and a
second piece of the cleaning cloth 54 covers the connecting member
53 affixed to the back platform 27 of the bottom cover 12. A
thickness of the cleaning cloth can vary, but in one embodiment,
the height is 1 mm.
[0041] To access the cleaning cloth, a user first opens the case
and removes the mobile phone. FIG. 5 is a perspective view 60
showing the mobile telephone cleaning case of FIG. 1 in an open
position. To open the mobile phone case 10, the user squeezes the
security members 16 that are securely positioned within the cutouts
25 of the receiving arms 24 of the top cover 11 and removes the
security members 16 from the security cutouts 25 to allow the
bottom cover 12 to rotate downwards, away from the top cover 11.
Once the security members are released, the rounded end of the
bottom cover 12 pivots downward away from the top cover 11 to allow
the user to slide a mobile phone 61 out of the top cover 11. The
user then flips the mobile phone 61 over so that a display screen
62 on the mobile phone 61 faces downward toward the cleaning cloth
54 in the top cover 11, and inserts the phone in the top cover 11.
To clean the screen 62, the user slides the mobile phone 61 back
and forth along the cloth 54. Upon completion, the user removes the
mobile phone 61 from the top cover 11, flips the phone 61 over so
the screen faces up toward the user, and slides the phone 61 into
the top cover 11 leaving the newly cleaned screen 62 exposed and
accessible to the user. The user rotates the bottom cover 12 up
until the back platform of the top 11 and bottom 12 covers are
positioned along a common plane. The security members 16 slide and
snap into the cutouts 25 to lock the top and bottom covers securely
around the mobile phone 61.
[0042] A further embodiment of the mobile phone cleaning case
includes rounded receiving ends and arms, which are each affixed to
one of the top and bottom covers. FIG. 6 is a perspective view
showing a mobile telephone cleaning case 70, in accordance with a
further embodiment. The mobile telephone cleaning case 70 includes
a top cover 71 and a bottom cover 72. The top cover 71 includes a
back platform 73 with two rounded corners on one end and an
opposite end having a straight edge. A U-shape wall 74 is
perpendicularly affixed around a perimeter, along three sides of
the back platform 73. Arms 77 are formed at the ends of the U-shape
wall 74 and extend along an inner surface of the wall 74 past the
straight edge of the back platform 73. The arms 77 can be shaped as
half circles, as well as other shapes. A width of each arm 77 is
less than a width of the wall 74 forming a void between an outer
surface of the arm 77 and an outer surface of the wall 74, which is
sized to receive the bottom cover 72.
[0043] A pivot mount 76 can be affixed to an outer surface of at
least one of the arms 77, adjacent to a security member 78, which
is also affixed to the outer surface of the arm 77. The pivot
mounts 76 can be formed in the shape of a half circle and extend
outward away from the outer surface of the receiving end. Further,
the security member 78 can also be shaped as a half circle or oval.
Other shapes of the pivot mounts and security members are possible.
However, at a minimum, the pivot mounts must allow the top cover 71
and the bottom cover 72 to rotate away from each other. In one
embodiment, the pivot mounts 76 extend away from the arm 77 at a
greater distance than the security members 78. However, the pivot
mounts 76 can also be smaller than, the same size as, or extend
away from the arm at a shorter distance than the security members
78.
[0044] The bottom cover 72 includes a substantially flat back
platform 79 with two rounded corners on one end and an opposite end
with a straight edge. A U-shape wall 80 is perpendicularly affixed
around a perimeter, along three sides of the back platform 79,
leaving the straight edge open. A receiving end 84 is formed along
an outer surface of each end of the wall 80 in the shape of a half
circle that extends past the straight edge end. The receiving ends
84 each have a width that is smaller than the wall 80, such that a
combined width of the receiving end 84 and arm 77, when adjacently
positioned, are equal to the width of the walls 74, 80 of the top
71 and bottom 72 covers. A half-circle shaped notch 82 is formed
within at least one of the receiving ends 84. The notch 82 is sized
to conformably fit and rotate about the pivot mounts 76 of the top
cover 71. A security cutout 83 is also formed within at least one
of the receiving ends 84 and can be positioned adjacent to the
pivot notch 82, such that the pivot notch 82 aligns with the pivot
mount 76 and the security cutout 83 aligns with the security member
78 when each receiving end 84 is adjacently positioned with the arm
77 to lock the mobile telephone cleaning case.
[0045] The top 71 and bottom 72 covers are positioned such that the
straight edge of the top cover back platform 73 is adjacent to and
aligned with the straight edge of the bottom cover back platform 79
to form a unitary back platform, as shown in FIG. 1. The covers 71,
72 can be affixed via a connecting member (not shown), which can
include a hinge, joint, or flexible material, such as rubber, which
allows movement of the covers, as described above in detail with
respect to FIG. 4. The connecting member can be affixed to at least
a portion of the unitary back platform via adhesive, including glue
or screws. Other connecting members and types of adhesive are
possible. Specifically, the connecting member is affixed to a
portion of the top cover back platform 73 nearest the straight edge
and at least a portion of the bottom cover back platform 79.
[0046] In one embodiment, the back platform 73 of the top cover 71
includes an upper portion and a connecting portion. The upper
portion extends from the rounded corners to the connecting portion,
which extends along a common plane to the straight edge end of the
back platform 73. The upper portion of the back platform 73 can be
made from a durable material, such as plastic and can have a height
that is taller than the connecting portion. Other materials are
possible. In one embodiment, the plastic can have a height of 1 mm.
The connecting portion of the back platform 73 can also be formed
from a durable material, but is thinner than the upper portion to
create a void between a top surface of the upper portion and a top
surface of the connecting portion that is sized to receive the
connecting member. In one embodiment, a height of the connecting
portion is 0.5 mm.
[0047] At least a portion of the bottom cover back platform 79,
nearest the straight edge end, can be made from a durable material
and have a height that is the same as the connecting portion of the
top cover, such as 0.5 mm as described above. The connecting member
is positioned over and affixed to the connecting portion of the top
cover 71 and at least a portion of the back platform 79 of the
bottom cover 72 to prevent separation of the two covers and to
allow the bottom cover to pivot and rotate with respect to the top
cover 71. In one embodiment, the connecting member has a height of
0.5 mm. Other measures for the back platforms of the top and bottom
covers, and the connecting member are possible. However, at a
minimum, the height of the upper portion, connecting portion and
connecting member, and bottom cover back platform and connecting
member should be equal or substantially equal to provide a flat
surface for the cleaning cloth (not shown) to be affixed.
[0048] The cleaning cloth should be large enough to cover the inner
surface of the unitary back platform. The cleaning cloth can be
formed from one or more pieces. In a further embodiment, the
cleaning cloth extends to cover an inner surface of the walls. A
thickness of the cleaning cloth can vary, but in one embodiment,
the height is 1 mm.
[0049] To clean a mobile phone, the user opens the mobile telephone
cleaning case by applying pressure to the security members 78 and
pushing the security members 78 inwards so that the security
cutouts 83 can slide over the security members, which allows the
bottom cover 72 to rotate away from the top cover 71 via the pivot
mounts 76. In a further embodiment, the user can also apply
pressure to the pivot mounts to open the cleaning case. The user
can close the mobile telephone cleaning case by positioning the
mobile phone within the top cover between the back platform 73 and
overhang 75 and moving the bottom cover 72 upward until a back
surface of the bottom cover back platform 79 is aligned along a
common plane with a back surface of the top cover back platform 73.
Once completely closed, the security members 78 are pressed inward
to fit within the security cutouts 83 to lock the cleaning case in
the closed position.
[0050] In yet a further embodiment, the top and bottom covers of
the mobile telephone cleaning case are affixed via pivot mounts
only, rather than by a connecting member. FIG. 7 is a perspective
view showing a mobile telephone cleaning case 90, in accordance
with a further embodiment. The mobile telephone cleaning case 90
includes a top cover 91 affixed to a bottom cover 92 via two pivot
mounts 96. The top cover 91 includes a substantially flat back
platform 93. A rounded end of the back platform 93 includes two
rounded corners, while the opposite end is a straight edge. A size
of the back platform 93 is dependent upon a size of the mobile
phone to be encased. However, at a minimum, the back platform 93
should be at least as large as the display screen on the mobile
phone. In one embodiment, the top cover is made from a durable
material, such as plastic, and the back platform can have a height
of 1 mm.
[0051] A U-shape wall 94 is perpendicularly affixed along a portion
of the back platform 93 perimeter. Specifically, the wall 94
originates at a point 105 on one side of the back platform 93
between the rounded end and the straight edge, and extends along
the perimeter around the rounded corners to a further point on the
opposite side between the rounded end and the straight edge. Each
end of the wall can taper from bottom to top on an outer surface.
The straight edge of the back platform 93 remains open, without a
wall. A height of the wall 94 is dependent on a depth of the mobile
phone. However, at a minimum, the wall 94 should be tall enough to
extend to or rise above a top surface of the mobile device.
[0052] Arms 97 extend from each of the points 105, along an inner
surface of the wall 94 and travel along the perimeter of the back
platform 93 to the straight edge. A width of each arm 97 is thinner
than a width of the wall 94, forming a void between an outer
surface of each arm 97 and an outer surface of the wall 94, which
is sized to receive the bottom cover 92. The arms 97 can be tapered
from top to bottom to interlock with oppositely tapered receiving
ends 104 of the bottom cover 92. A pivot mount 96 is affixed to an
outer surface of each arm 97. The pivot mounts 96 can be formed in
the shape of a circle and extend outwards away from the outer
surface of the arm 97. The pivot mounts 96 allow the top 91 and
bottom 92 covers to rotate with respect to one another.
Additionally, a security member 102 is formed on each arm 97
adjacent to the pivot mount 96. The security members 102 can
include a button, latch, or lock, which allows a user to secure the
top and bottom covers in a closed position, as well as to open the
case by moving the bottom cover away from the top cover when the
security member 102 is released. An overhang 95 is perpendicularly
affixed to the wall 94 and the arms, opposite the back platform 93.
Additionally, the overhang 95 extends over a top surface of the
back platform 93 of the top cover 91. When encased, the overhang 95
covers a portion of the top surface of the mobile phone.
[0053] The top cover 91 can be interconnected to the bottom cover
92 via the pivot mounts 96. The bottom cover 92 includes a back
platform 98, a wall 99, and an overhang 100. The bottom cover back
platform 98 includes one end with two rounded corners and a
straight edge end. The straight edge of the bottom cover back
platform 98 is positioned adjacent to the straight edge of the top
cover back platform 93 to form a unitary back platform of the
mobile telephone cleaning case 90. The bottom cover back platform
98 is sized based on the back platform 93 of the top cover. The
length of the bottom cover back platform 98 can be the same or
shorter than the top cover back platform 93. At a minimum, the
unitary back platform should be large enough to support the mobile
telephone when encased. The back platform 98 of the bottom cover 92
can be made from durable material, such as plastic, and can have a
height that is the same as the height of the top cover back
platform 93 to form a level surface for affixing a cleaning cloth
(not shown).
[0054] A U-shape wall 99 can surround a portion of the bottom cover
back platform 98 perimeter, leaving only the straight edge without
a wall. A receiving end 104 extends from an outer surface of both
ends of the wall 99 beyond the straight edge of the back platform
98. A pivot notch 101 and a security cutout 103 are formed within
each receiving end 104, which tapers from top to bottom at the
straight edge of the bottom cover 92. A width of the receiving ends
is thinner than the wall 99, which forms a void between an inner
surface of each receiving end 104 and the inner surface of the wall
99 to receive the arms 97 of the top cover 91. Together, a width of
the receiving end and arm equal the width of the wall 94, 99.
[0055] When the receiving ends 104 and arms 97 are adjacent to one
another, the pivot mounts 96 are conformably received within the
pivot notches 101 and the security members 102 are conformably
received within the security cutouts 103. Both the pivot mounts 96
and the security members 102 extend away from the wall, through the
pivot notches and security cutouts, respectively, and end outside
the pivot notches and security cutouts to allow a user to apply
pressure to the pivot mounts and security members. An overhang 100
can be perpendicularly affixed to the wall 99, opposite the back
platform 98. However, the overhang must be small enough to prevent
covering a display face of the mobile telephone.
[0056] In a closed position, the arms and the receiving ends are
adjacent to one another and together, equal the width of the wall
94, 99, as described above with reference to FIG. 3. The receiving
ends 104 of the bottom cover 92 each extend over the outer surface
of the arms 97 and the pivot notches 101 receive the pivot mounts
96. In one embodiment, the pivot notches 101 are permanently
affixed to the pivot mounts 96. In a further embodiment, the pivot
notches 101 can be removably affixed to the pivot mounts 96.
[0057] To open the cleaning case, a user applies pressure to the
security members 102 and pushes the security members 102 inwards so
that the security cutouts 103 can slide over the security members
allowing the bottom cover 92 to rotate away from the top cover 91
via the pivot mounts 96. Oppositely, the user can close the mobile
telephone cleaning case 90 by positioning the mobile phone within
the top cover 91 between the back platform 93 and overhang 95 and
by moving the bottom cover 92 upward until a back surface of the
bottom cover back platform 98 is aligned along a common plane with
a back surface of the top cover back platform 93. Once completely
closed, the security members 102 are depressed to fit within and
extend out of the security cutouts 103 to lock the cleaning case 90
in the closed position.
[0058] A connecting member is not required, as the pivot mounts
allow the bottom cover to open by rotating downwards from the top
cover. A cleaning cloth is affixed to the unitary back platform
formed by the top and bottom covers. The cleaning cloth can include
one or more pieces. In a further embodiment, the cleaning cloth is
also affixed to an inner surface of the walls.
[0059] In yet a further embodiment, various shaped cutouts can be
formed within the back platform and walls of the top and bottom
covers of the mobile telephone case to allow a user to access
buttons, ear piece site, memory card sites, and battery charging
sites formed on or within a mobile phone to be encases. Other
cutouts are possible.
[0060] Although the case has been described above for use with a
mobile telephone, other mobile devices are possible, including
laptops, PDAs, MP3 players, and GPS devices. Additionally, the
cleaning case can be used for other devices, such as glasses,
magnifying glasses, jewelry, and watches.
[0061] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described as referenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled
in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes in
form and detail may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *